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The Canada Consumer Product Safety Act is now in effect

This guest blog post is provided by Health Canada which is responsible for helping Canadians maintain and improve their health.

On June 20, 2011, the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act came into force. If you are a manufacturer, importer, distributor, advertiser, tester or retailer of consumer products, you should be aware of the Act and its new requirements.

What is a “consumer product?” The Act defines it as a product that may reasonably be expected to be obtained by an individual to be used for non-commercial purposes such as household, recreational or sports purposes. That could include anything from hockey helmets to table lamps to children's toys. Examples of products the Act doesn't cover include natural health products, food, cosmetics, medical devices and drugs — these products are covered by other legislation.

So if you are a supplier of a consumer product, there are a few things you need to know about the Act. First, the Act establishes mandatory reporting requirements. That means suppliers must report any serious incidents or safety issues related to their product to Health Canada. They also must alert the person who sold or provided them with the product.

These incidents could include a reported serious injury or death or insufficient information on a label or in the instructions. Incidents must be reported to Health Canada and your supplier within two days of becoming aware of the problem. Detailed information on what constitutes an “incident” and how to report it can be found on Health Canada's website.

You should also be aware of the Act's new record-keeping requirements. Under the Act, retailers must prepare and maintain documents that include the name and address of the person from whom they obtained the product, and where and when the product was sold. Manufacturers, importers, advertisers and testers of consumer products must also document the name and address of the person to whom they sold it. These records will help Health Canada quickly track products through the supply chain in case there's a problem. Detailed information on record-keeping requirements can also be found on Health Canada's website.

Health Canada wants industry to stay well-informed so we can all make a smooth transition under the new Act. If you have questions about mandatory reporting, record-keeping, or any other requirements, please visit the For Industry: Canada Consumer Product Safety Act webpage to download a Quick Reference Guide, Brochure, FAQs and more. Still have questions? Contact us toll free at 1-866-662-0666.

Comments

I am Sazib from Bangladesh. I want to go Canada for work permit.

By sazib on July 24, 2011

Hi Sazib,

Canada Business provides information on how to start, expand, or improve a business in Canada. If you are looking for specific information on how to obtain a work permit to be allowed to work in Canada, you may wish to consult the Government of Canada’s Working in Canada website.
Best of luck with your plans.

By Canada Business on July 26, 2011

I am a Red Seal Chef with Bakery training. We would like to know if there is a way of getting a loan or grant to start a small business from our home. It would be a cookie company, and I have the space in our bottom floor of our home. Any advice?
Thanks,
Ken

By Ken on July 27, 2011

Dear Ken,

There are a number of resources you can look into for financing for your home-based cookie company.

Our Grants and Finances section is an excellent place to start your search. Within this section, you can view or search financing programs offered by governments by selecting parameters such as your industry, your location, your demographic group and/or the reason you are looking for financing. The section also links to some community-based and private sector financing resources.

Our Steps to growth capital guide is designed to help you develop the plan, the materials and the confidence to go after equity financing.

Keep in mind that most lenders will want to see a well-prepared business plan in advance of providing financial assistance. Consult our Business Planning section for more information on how to capture the essence of your business.

If you are still having difficulty finding business financing that is right for you, feel free to contact the Canada Business service centre in your region for further assistance.

Best of luck with your baking!

By Canada Business on July 27, 2011

Hi, actually want to know about my truck driver: if he wants to buy own truck, then does govt provide any grant or not?

By balwinder on July 30, 2011

Hello Balwinder,

There are a number of resources you or your truck driver can look into for financing for a truck (or a trucking business).

Our Grants and Finances section is an excellent place to start your search. Within this section, you can view or search financing programs offered by governments by selecting parameters such as your industry, your location, your demographic group and/or the reason you are looking for financing. The section also links to some community-based and private sector financing resources.

Our Steps to growth capital guide is designed to help you develop the plan, the materials and the confidence to go after equity financing.

Keep in mind that most lenders will want to see a well-prepared business plan in advance of providing financial assistance. Consult our Business Planning section for more information on how to capture the essence of your business.

If you are still having difficulty finding business financing that is right for your truck driver, feel free to contact the Canada Business service centre in your region for further assistance.

By Canada Business on August 2, 2011

Great just what I need. Another regulated job for me as a small independent business. One more day I get to work for the government.

Don’t get me wrong I am all for keeping poorly made and designed products off the shelf.

It’s just that in today’s economic and political climate being the small independent business. I am accountable for all the recently rules regulation and laws that place the liability onto my shoulders. I get to die a slow death , lose my retirement savings along the way. Yet nothing really changes when it comes to consumer protection.

Recording the event don’t help with preventing it !

By Willy on September 28, 2011

I would like information on any regulations regarding the resale of used plush children’s toys as a new item.
Where can I find a copy of any legislation or regulations regarding the above?